32 Reasons You Don’t Carry Every Day and How to Address It

I'm alarmed by the number of gun owners who don't carry their firearm on a regular basis. Even among those who have gone to the effort of applying for a concealed handgun permit to carry concealed in their state, a majority (according to our surveys) still don't carry concealed on a regular basis. The reasons vary significantly but we have attempted to build out a list below of the most common ones we hear.

For those who do carry every day you still will find value in identifying the issues below that cause you the most grief or pain.

For additional information click on the Title of any of the “Reasons” below to visit a full length article about that topic.

1. I Can't Find a Comfortable Holster

There are thousands of companies out there making holsters. The odds are that none of them will feel right to you are slim but the exercise of trying them until you find the right one can be consuming and expensive. Learn More: Finding the Right Holster For You

2. I Can't Find a Comfortable Gun

Guns are expensive and your choices abound. I personally don't think there is such a thing as a comfortable gun but some are certainly more comfortable than others. You need to maximize the number you can try and test.

4. I Can't Get a CCW Permit Where I Live

There are a number of US States and local jurisdictions that make it nearly impossible to obtain a valid concealed carry permit. You should probably just move but if that isn't an option research if you might be able to obtain a non-resident permit or what your options are to have the firearm with you in your home and car.

Does it feel like everywhere you go is another anti-gun business? It can take a lot of work to find the businesses that support your rights and often can create an inconvenience to frequent them. We get it. Learn how: Dealing with Gun Free Businesses

6. It Doesn't Support My Style Or The Way I Dress

Guns are big and bulky and unlikely to ever conceal well in tight fitting clothing but if you think there is no way to look good and have a gun I think you are mistaken. The key here is being willing to make some changes.

7. I Don't Know If I Could Kill Someone

Honestly, this is going to sound like a cop out but I promise you could. If the situation were dire enough… if it was about you or someone you love living or dying you could take the life. Consider also that just because you shoot to stop a threat doesn't mean you will kill people. Modern medicine is fairly impressive and people survive gun shots all the time.

Guns are generally not that easy to conceal and most gun owners feel strongly about ensuring others don't see or discern the weapon. Overcoming this issue could be the most critical factor in your personal defense. Learn more: Concealing a Gun is Hard

12. My Risk is Too Low to Justify It

You are wrong. Sorry to be blunt but tragedy has proven over and over again that it strikes anywhere when we are least expecting it.

13. I Never Leave the House

No excuse. In fact you are more likely to need that gun on you when you are home than anywhere else you might go.

14. I'm Afraid it Could Be Used Against Me

This is an excuse used by people who haven't trained enough yet to feel confident. You need to train more.

15. I'm Afraid of Dealing With Law Enforcement

If you generally obey the law then you shouldn't have a lot of law enforcement encounters. Even when they happen a prepared concealed carrier isn't afraid because they know what to expect and how to proceed. Sounds like you need to do some research.

16. I'm a Student or Work at a School

If you go to a school every day that doesn't allow firearms that is a difficult issue to overcome. Find out if you could store your firearm in your car and consider that it would be better than leaving it at home.

17. I Only Have a Gun for Home Defense

You have accepted that you are willing to use a firearm to defend yourself and loved ones while at home. Why would you decide not to defend those same people when you leave the home?

18. I Can't Afford a Good Holster

The holster costs a lot less than the gun and is just as important. It can be difficult to find the budget to try enough different holsters to find the one that works for you. You may need to start borrowing some from friends or look at holster manufacturers that have good return policies so you can try as many as possible until you find the one that works for you.

19. My Spouse or Friends are Armed So I Don't Need to Be

Each of us needs to take responsibility for our own survival. You can't honestly say that you are ALWAYS with someone else who is armed. Furthermore if that someone else is injured, out of ammunition, killed or has a firearm malfunction you are now both in serious trouble because you thought that one person and one gun would be enough.

20. I Don't Feel Confident In My Skills

We understand. Everyone has to start somewhere and if you aren't ready to carry around that gun then the question is when is your next training session or class? Put it on the calendar and pro-actively move toward greater skills and confidence with a commitment to ongoing training and education.

21. I Don't Go Anywhere Dangerous

You are at risk everywhere you are and everywhere you go. There are no more safehavens left. The terrorists, attackers, criminals, and idiots are everywhere and they love nothing more than finding people who are unsuspecting and feel safe. You need to be pro-active if you want to avoid being a victim.

22. I Travel on Airplanes A Lot

Even if you could make the argument that you spend more time away from home (via airplane) than you do at home, that still wouldn't be an excuse to not carry when you are not traveling. Further, you can check guns on airplanes, you know? Almost all airports make it relatively easy. Learn More: How to Check Guns on Planes

23. I Have a Physical Disability

Are you tired of your disability getting in the way of doing what needs to be done? While everyday carry may not be a possibility for you, you may need to approach it with the attitude of “how can I” and not “can I.”

24. My Work Uniform Makes it Too Hard to Conceal

Hard or impossible? With the large number of ankle and tuckable holsters on the market it's likely that you just haven't tried enough options. Also consider that a smaller gun is generally easier to conceal. If your uniform includes a shirt and tie this will help: Concealed Carry Technique with Shirt and Tie

25. I Live in a Warm Climate

Personally I've never lived anywhere that didn't have snow so I can't fully relate but I suspect there are options. Consider a belly-band holster that is going to be more flexible in terms of wearing shorts and other clothing that doesn't have a snug waist or belt. Also, working with a holster that has material fully between the gun and the body is going to be important for comfort when you don't wear any undershirt.

26. I Don't Always Take my Purse / Bag with Me

Off body carry systems come with that very issue. Where possible you need to find and use a holster system that is attached to your body. Otherwise you need to change your habits since being without that gun is the worst idea you could have.

27. Keeping Track of the Laws is Too Hard

It is true that laws are always changing but in terms of how that affects day to day carry in your state it is probably minimal if at all. Check to see if you instructor or gun club has an email list or Facebook page where they post updates. Oh, and follow our website 🙂

28. My Family Members Don't Support Me

Consider that first and foremost what they don't know can't hurt them… in fact it may potentially save them. If you don't think you can or should “conceal” it from them, its time to have one of those hard conversations about why this is important to you. Education, both yours and theirs, are the keys to removing the emotional and mental barriers.

29. Getting a Permit Will Put Me On the Grid

Will it? It may not be as serious as you think depending on your state laws. Regardless it might be something you need to weigh into the conversation. Is it worth being on “the grid” so you can legally defend yourself in a life threatening situation? I would say it is.

It takes a lot of forethought and training to be prepared to take action. One thing that is certain is that if you don't have the firearm with you the decision will be made for you. Start with that first step and then seek out the training to prepare you for the next step. Learn More: Overcoming the Fear of Taking Action

Get one. Ask your instructor and gun club for recommendations and make that happen as soon as you can. Here is a great guide.

32. Don't Want to Be “That Guy”

You wouldn't be thinking of me would you? Sometimes in our minds we paint a picture of someone who thinks they are Rambo and is prepared to take on the army but the truth is that normal people carry guns every day. Choosing to take an active step toward your own survival doesn't make you one of “those people” it just makes you more prepared.

About Jacob Paulsen

Jacob S. Paulsen is the President of ConcealedCarry.com. ConcealedCarry.com provides in-person and online firearm training for American gun owners. The Company is currently teaching in-person classes in 25+ states with a team of more than 55 instructors. Jacob is a NRA certified instructor & Range Safety Officer, USCCA certified instructor and training counselor, Utah BCI instructor, Affiliate instructor for Next Level Training, Graduate and certified instructor for The Law of Self Defense, and a Glock and Sig Sauer Certified Armorer. He resides in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with his wife and children.

12 Responses to 32 Reasons You Don’t Carry Every Day and How to Address It

Love your resolutions for the obvious. I have a license and have carried almost daily for many,many years. I only pulled it once and that was because of an agressive cow elk. I fired into the ground and they fled.
Most people who don’t like or carry, are afraid of guns. They need free training for all aspects of being armed. Every cop i ever talked to was grateful for my abilities in maybe one day rendering him assistance. Go serious, go armed.

This is all very well said….
But remember one thing…..
If you must use your gun, and shoot someone…
When the police come. Stand still. Do not move. Have your hands out in front of you….
And when they ask what happened. Just give your name. And say. I was in fear for my life. I want a lawyer. Say no more. Not one word until you have a lawyer with you. Nothing.
Know your rights and use them. The police are NOT on your side when you shoot someone.
They come after the fact. 98% of the time.. And one more thing.. Never fire a warning shot.
You can go to jail for it… ……. In English the thugs have more rights then you do..
Be armed. Be ready. Know your rights. And use them. And have a great safe day..

Very good article, well written! I, agree we should carry every day. However I, have a compact 1911 , .45 cal. Double stack single action. I, think it is too heavy. Need a good holster ISB.and am considering dropping down to a .9mm. American made. Also my wife has been through law suits with me and she thinks that I, feel like a big man, carrying. Nothing could be farther from the truth!!

yes I carry a 45 double stack that I lock in my desk five days a week but carry a 380 on my ankle all day don’t go any where with out the one or two always even beside me when watching tv at night I live in a very scattered area

I relate well with #20. With work and family time constraints, it took me six years from buying my first handgun until I was adequately confident to pursue my carry permit. I now carry daily and still use the range/training time to maintain my confidence.

Kynn, sounds like you tuck your shirt in yes? If you are looking to carry concealed then I would recommend a belly band or the Brave Response Holster as they are all fully tuckable. Try the appendix position.